When finding the perfect hearing aid, you have many options. The number of choices can be overwhelming. But with the right approach and understanding of the differences, you can simplify the process and feel confident in your choice.
In this article, we make searching for the right hearing aid for your circumstances easier. In the first part, we share a few factors you should consider to find the best fit for your specific needs. In the second part, we explore the different types of hearing aids and their features, advantages, and disadvantages. You will also learn about the differences between over-the-counter and custom hearing aids so you can make the right choice for your situation and enjoy improved hearing and engaging conversations.
Undergoing a hearing test (such as an audiometry exam) and understanding the level of your hearing loss is crucial to exploring what hearing aid options you have. Audiometry results (known as an audiogram) will define the level of your hearing loss and give you an overview of what type of hearing aids you can choose.
Healthy hearing is defined as having a hearing threshold of less than 25 dB. However, there may still be situations where you find it challenging to hear, as everyone’s hearing experience is personal and unique. Read on for descriptions of devices best suited for hearing loss greater than 25 dB.
All Devices:
Only Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Devices:
Types of hearing aids and their ability to address specific levels of hearing loss.
Device features will vary, so it’s important to understand the differences. If you spend a large amount of time at home, you may need a different solution than if you lead an active, outdoors life.
Custom Ear Molds for the Highest Comfort
When buying a hearing aid, you can choose between ear domes and custom ear molds that will perfectly fit your ear canal. Custom ear molds can significantly improve performance and comfort, thanks to a custom fit. You can read more about the benefits of custom ear molds [here](first article).
Hearing Aids for Active People
If you are looking for a hearing aid that you can wear during activities like biking, walking, running, or any other sports, you should choose one of the larger hearing aids like Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), or In-the-Ear (ITE). Their bigger size makes them easier to handle if you want to fix their position in the ear.
Ensure your hearing aids handle wind noise effectively. Larger models like Behind-the-Ear (BTE) often include noise-canceling features, while smaller options like Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC), Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), or In-the-Canal (ITC) naturally reduce wind noise due to their discreet, in-ear placement.
Lastly, it is highly recommended to choose waterproof hearing aids that provide protection in various situations and environments.
Power—Choose Between Convenience and Lower Price
In thinking about the energy management of your hearing aid, consider this:
Below, we have outlined some key features of hearing aids available on the market today. Understanding these features will empower you to make informed decisions on your journey to finding the perfect hearing aid that suits your needs.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Support
AI support in hearing aids is an emerging technology that aims to enhance the functionality and performance of these devices.
This feature offers several potential benefits. It enables automatic and intelligent adjustments based on the listening environment, optimizing the sound settings for different situations. This includes automatically reducing background noise, enhancing speech clarity, and adapting to changing acoustic conditions.
Furthermore, hearing aids supported by AI can learn and adapt to the wearer's preferences and behaviors over time. They can track usage patterns, adjust amplification levels, and even provide insights and feedback to the user or hearing care professional.
One of the leading companies that include this feature in its hearing aids is Starkey with its Genesis AI Technology.
360-Degree Spatial Sound
Some modern hearing aids have a feature that allows you to experience 360° spatial sound. You can focus on all sounds around you or just directly in front of you. As a result, sounds become clearer, allowing you to better understand speech in any situation, even in very noisy environments.
Tinnitus Relief
Many people with hearing loss also experience tinnitus. However, modern hearing aids allow you to play sounds that neutralize the nuisance of humming, balancing tinnitus and bringing relief. If you experience tinnitus, ensure that your hearing aid has solutions that help you with this condition. An example of such technology is Multiflex Tinnitus Technology, built into Starkey’s hearing aids.
Wireless Connection—Bluetooth Connection/Smartphone Apps
A wireless connection in your hearing aid allows you to receive phone calls or music or TV sound directly in your hearing aid. It provides you with an experience of pure, clear, and full sounds while not disturbing others around you. If you are a person who spends a lot of time watching TV (you will need a smart TV with a Bluetooth connection) or on your smartphone, it is worth ensuring that you have this feature in your hearing aid.
This feature is quite common in larger hearing aids like BTE, RIC, and ITE due to their size. Smaller devices like IIC, CIC, and ITC can also have wireless connections, but it is more commonly available in their advanced models.
The Telecoil (T-Coil)
Think about a situation when you are at a busy railway station, and you try to hear the announcements on which platform your train is departing. This is when T-Coil can be valuable.
T-Coil technology is a small coil of wire built into a hearing aid that functions as a receiving antenna, allowing the hearing aid to pick up and amplify the magnetic signals generated by compatible audio systems.
The T-Coil feature is particularly useful in environments equipped with public hearing loop systems. Places like schools, theaters, airports, railway stations, or concerts may be equipped with loop systems or hearing assistive technologies.
After activating the T-Coil switch (physically on your hearing aid or within an application on your smartphone), your hearing aid can directly receive sound from loop-enabled devices without needing additional accessories. This feature enhances accessibility, improves speech understanding, and reduces background noise, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to participate in conversations and enjoy various audio experiences or sound messages.
If you do not know where to find T-Coil technology, just look for this sign in public places. If you spot it, you will know your T-Coil will work there.
The Telecoil (T-Coil) Feature
The T-Coil feature is found in various types of larger hearing aids, like Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and In-the-Ear (ITE) styles. Smaller hearing aids like Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) or Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) often do not have this built-in as they are simply too small. However, it's worth noting that technological advancements are constant, and some manufacturers may offer more advanced models of IIC or CIC hearing aids that include the T-Coil feature.
After considering the key factors, appearance remains important. Larger hearing aids, like behind-the-ear models, offer longer battery life and more features, while smaller in-ear aids are discreet but better suited for mild to moderate hearing loss, with shorter battery life and fewer features. You can also select colors to match your style.
Important!
For both types of hearing aids (IIC or CIC) to reach the best performance, they must be customized to the wearer's ear. When customized, IIC and CIC hearing aids will perfectly fit into your ear canal and deliver clear sound amplification directly to your ear. If you are interested in what the process of preparing the custom hearing aid or custom ear molds (for BTE or ITE) looks like, you can read more about it in the next section of this article.
Hearing aids like Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) or Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) aids must be crafted to fit precisely to the specific shape of the ear canal. 3D scans are raising standards in preparing such personalized hearing aids.
With a 3D scan, a highly detailed and accurate model of the ear canal is created. This digital model can then be used to design and manufacture custom ear molds that precisely match the individual's unique ear canal shape.
Using this technology for fitting IIC or CIC hearing aids can offer several advantages, including improved accuracy, faster turnaround time, and the ability to store digital ear canal models for future reference or adjustments.
Owning a personalized hearing aid can significantly enhance sound quality and increase overall comfort by providing a precise and customized solution. If you are a person who has experienced slight or moderate hearing loss and would like to get the highest quality sound provided by your hearing aid, this option is right for you.
What Is a Custom Ear Mold?
A custom ear mold for a hearing aid is a specially designed and personalized piece created to fit the individual's ear canal. It is typically made from a soft, flexible material that is comfortable to wear. The purpose of a custom ear mold is to ensure a secure and snug fit for the hearing aid within the ear, maximizing its performance by minimizing sound leakage and improving sound quality. Custom ear molds are created based on an impression or 3D scan of the person's ear canal.
What Types of Hearing Aids Need Custom Ear Molds?
Custom ear molds are commonly used with Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids. For BTE hearing aids, a custom ear mold is typically used to connect the hearing aid's electronic components—which sit behind the ear—to the ear canal. In the case of ITE hearing aids, the entire hearing aid is custom-made to fit within the ear, including the ear mold portion.
Selecting the appropriate hearing aid can be complex due to the various types, sizes, features, and abilities available today. However, we hope this article offers a comprehensive overview of the significant factors and features to consider, enabling you to make a more informed decision on the most suitable option for your specific needs.
It's important to remember that your ultimate satisfaction depends not only on the device itself but also on elements such as custom ear molds, which can further optimize the fit, comfort, and performance of your hearing aids.
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